George Mason University today is launching the "Do Your Part Campaign" to reinforce the message that safety is a shared responsibility and that our safe return to campus depends on everyone modifying their behavior in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our campus is open again and we’re excited to welcome our community back,” said Mark Ginsberg, Provost and Executive Vice President. “But the Fall semester will only succeed if we commit to protecting our own health and the health of each other. We are asking everyone to help by doing their part.”
The campaign emphasizes five safety recommendations put forth by public and university health officials. Members of the Mason community must:
- Wear face coverings in public places
- Practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet
- Complete the Mason COVID Health Check™ daily
- Practice proper hygiene, including frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds and use of hand sanitizer
- Stay home when feeling unwell and get tested if you have COVID 19 symptoms. Be prepared to quarantine when feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms.
The Office of Communications and Marketing is leading the “Do Your Part Campaign” and is partnering with the Emergency Operations Group, University Life and unit communicators across the university to execute the plan. The campaign will consist of a series of videos, posters, web and social media content, hashtags and university messages that convey the importance of personal responsibility.
The first "Do Your Part" video features Ginsberg, Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell, Green Machine Director Michael “Doc Nix” Nickens, student body president Shelby Adams and the Mason Patriot demonstrating best practices for campus safety.
A targeted social media plan will help amplify the "Do Your Part Campaign" messages through various popular channels as well as the university's main website and The George newsletter.
Through the end of the month, university communicators will use a #SafeReturnMason hashtag. Other hashtags are planned for other phases of the campaign. Future videos will cover how the university community is up for the challenge of a safe return, the COVID Health Check process, physical distancing, safe on-campus activities and Mason research.
The university’s by-appointment student move-in begins Saturday. Classes begin Aug. 24, with a mix of in-person, online and hybrid courses.
Mason President Gregory Washington announced Monday that the university will convert to all-online instruction beginning Nov. 30, following the Thanksgiving break, to guard against potential COVID-19 and influenza surges. The semester will end on Dec. 16. Winter Graduation will be an online event.